Andrea Pizzitola (Manor MP Motorsport) was the first driver to post a time in Group A, the Frenchman then swapping the lead with Thiago Vivacqua (JD Motorsport). Nyck de Vries then went fastest as the times tumbled at the end of the session, the Dutchman lapping in 1:40.513 to come out on top from Jack Aitken and George Russell.

The drivers in Group B also waited until the end of their session before pushing their tyres to the maximum on a track known for its abrasive surface. Dennis Olsen clocked the morning’s fastest time of 1:40.415 ahead of Hans Villemi and Steijn Schothorst, before an off-track excursion for Danylo Pronenko (BVM Racing) brought the morning’s qualifying to a premature end.

Saturday’s Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 race at the Circuito de Jerez gets under way at 12.35.

Dennis Olsen: “Being on pole always feels good, especially as it’s the first on a dry track! I can’t win the championship anymore, but I can still show off some potential to the big teams. That’s why I’m here and it’s up to me now to go and have a good start. If I can do that and take care of my driving, things should be fine as it is a difficult track place to overtake.”